Purse Auction fundraiser benefits local YWCA shelter

by Whitney Hise

LEWISTON, ID - The YWCA will soon see a significant bonus as a local organization works to raise money for the Lewiston shelter.

Thursday evening, ladies from around the Valley gathered at the annual Women's Connection Purse Auction, a fundraiser put on by the organization to help those in need. Women's Connection Vice President Rebecca Sarmiento said giving back to YWCA is especially important during the winter months, as the demand for sheltering the homeless in the community shows no signs of letting up.

"We have a lot of people who are in need here," said Sarmiento. "A lot of people use that homeless shelter, it's surprising."

250 tickets along with hundreds of used and new purses later, the Mardi Gras-themed event was a success. The auction raised over $10,000 for the YWCA shelter.